HR1154 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1154 LRB093 23100 KEF 53065 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives were saddened to learn of the death of Raymond Richard Purdeu of Sullivan on July 23, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Purdeu was born August 31, 1928, in Lovington, the son of Milton M. and Donna L. Waters Purdeu; he graduated from Lovington High School and the Central Illinois Barber College in Decatur; he served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and for 21 years in the Illinois Army National Guard 33rd Admin. Co., retiring with the rank of Captain; he married Marilyn Louise Campbell on June 24, 1949; she preceded him in death in 1982; he married Beatrice (Bea) Daubs on December 29, 1984 in Sullivan; and

WHEREAS, Richard and his family moved from Decatur to Sullivan where he worked as a full-time barber in Jimmie Campbell's shop, and working full-time at Staley's in Decatur; he also became the Illinois Masonic Home barber which he enjoyed for over 35 years; in 1974, he began a dedicated life commitment to the Moultrie County Democrats when he was elected County Tax Assessor, then Township Supervisor; in 1982, he was elected Moultrie County Clerk and Recorder, was re-elected in 1986, and again in 1990; he officially stepped down in 1994, and was elected to the Moultrie County Board where he served for 6 years; he also had served as the Democrat Central Committee Chairman since 1992; and

WHEREAS, He loved helping people so it was only natural that he became an active member of the Sullivan Chapter of the American Businessmen's Club, AmBucs; he was awarded AmBuc of the Year twice, one of the only two in the local chapter to earn the award twice; he served as local President, District Mr. AmBuc, District Director of Region 4, District Governor, Big Hat President, and won the National Big Hat Award for recruiting the most new members; he received a certificate of recognition for contributions to the William L. White Living Endowment Fund, for development of America's Physical Therapists, and the Ambility Ambassador Award for outstanding support of the Big Heart Fund which provides AmTrykes for handicapped children; most recently, he accepted four awards at the National Convention in Breckinridge, Colorado, on behalf of the Sullivan Chapter; he was also a 3rd Degree and Past Master of the George A. Sentel Lodge #764 and a 49 Year Member of the American Legion Post #68; and

WHEREAS, The great joy in Richard's life was his blended family, children, and grandchildren; his passing will be deeply felt by many, especially his wife, Beatrice (Bea); his son, James R. Purdeu and wife Rebecca A.; his daughters, Pamela L. Johnson and husband Ronald A., Janet L. Purdeu, and Janine L. Matthews and husband Rick; his step-sons, David L. Brick, Chris L. Brick and wife Ruth, and Robert L. Brick and wife Tammy M.; his step-daughter, Stephanie J. Hensley; his brother, Ervin F. Purdeu and Ann; his sister, Barbara Jean Nally and husband Rick; his grandchildren, Matthew Purdeu, Lindsey Johnson, Jessie Hensley, Dylan Hensley, Elizabeth Purdeu, Aaron Wilhelm, Morgan Brick, Maggie Hensley, Andrew Brick, Brandon Wilhelm, and Creek Brick; and

WHEREAS, He was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Jo; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the death of Raymond Richard Purdeu along with all who knew and loved him and extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Raymond Richard Purdeu as an expression of our deepest sympathy.